Block Arcade
Block Arcade
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Voted #8 of 323 things to do and see in Melbourne by Tripadvisor and winning the 2015 Travellers' Choice Award, join us on a personalised guided walk through one of Melbourne's most grand and historic landmarks,The Block Arcade. Built in 1892 and modelled on the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele in Milan, The Block Arcade is a heritage listed shopping arcade situated on Melbourne's Golden Mile and home to the largest mosaic floor in the southern hemisphere, its magnificent glass dome and the iconic Hopetoun Tearooms. Suitable for all ages, a guided walk through the Arcade will take you on a historical journey back to the early days of the Colony and a glimpse into Melbourne's rich and colourful history. Venture upstairs, which is not accessible to the general public, as you view the Arcade from its many windows and causeway. Tours run twice a week on Tuesdays or Thursdays. 11am - 12pm at $15 p/p 2 - 3.30pm at $22 p/p and includes a Devonshire afternoon tea. For groups of more than 8, prior arrangements can be made for alternative times/days.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Business District
Full of discovery and delight, Melbourne’s laneways tease the imagination long after you’ve put your weary feet up to rest. They weave through the heart of the city: cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques, throbbing with conversation and espresso coffee. You never quite know what you’ll find around the next corner: cobblestone alleys, old beer barrel hoists and even vats of simmering organic soup. There is the air of Berlin in the street art, a touch of Paris in the umbrella-shaded cafes and, reminiscent of Rome, eateries tucked away in the most unlikely of places. Perhaps you might want a break and cross the Yarra River to Southbank - walk along the promenade, bask in the sun at a waterside bar and decide whether to go to the nearby casino or book a ticket at the Melbourne theatre company.
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Deanosaur89
    Edmonton, Canada2,162 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Victorian Style Arcade
    This old Victorian style arcade is like a living museum. It is well maintained and has some original items like a rare and old English scale. This is a good spot to window shop or stop for an afternoon tea with many tempting cakes and chocolates.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 July 2023
  • platypus150
    Melbourne, Australia27,759 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is always something new to notice
    I frequently walk through and walk past this arcade. The art work is amazing and amazed people even when it was built well over a century ago. Today I was gazing at the Elizabeth Street entranced and noticed detail I had previously overlooked.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 17 September 2023
  • Jeffry b
    Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Arcade is an architectural icon
    Block Arcade is a survivor of Marvelous Melbourne. The mosaic are intricately worked and the Classical style is impressive. A number of shops are doing business including Haigh's Chocolates and the Dr Seuss Gallery. Block Arcade can be entered either from Elizabeth Street or Collins Street. Block Arcade is a Melbourne icon.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 23 November 2023
  • TJouer
    Bellbrook, Ohio2,248 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful historic arcade with eating and shopping vendors
    We were in Melbourne and visited the Block Arcade based upon prior reviews. We got there early on a weekday and started with breakfast. There are many cozy breakfast cafes and coffee spots to choose from that cater to both tourists and locals. Aside from the beautiful historical architecture, there are many nooks and crannies with cool shops. We bought some souvenirs before heading to the larger department stores in the same Collins Street area. Tip: Breakfast is served starting on the early side of 8:30 am, so you can get there early and make it your first stop if touring or shopping in the area.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,118 reviews
Excellent
3,119
Very good
1,684
Average
277
Poor
25
Terrible
13

smiler1956
Birmingham, UK519 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Visited with my wife as part of a walking back street tour. Beautiful arcade with many gift shops and specialist stores, as well as some wonderful eateries. The décor is fantastic.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DJ
Levin, New Zealand95 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Fantastic olde world feel, a great mix of boutique business here.
You certainly WON'T FIND Kmart or Target here!
This is a great spot for a special afternoon tea/coffee or that special occasion piece of bling
Loved it
Written 9 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TJouer
Bellbrook, OH2,248 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
We were in Melbourne and visited the Block Arcade based upon prior reviews. We got there early on a weekday and started with breakfast. There are many cozy breakfast cafes and coffee spots to choose from that cater to both tourists and locals. Aside from the beautiful historical architecture, there are many nooks and crannies with cool shops. We bought some souvenirs before heading to the larger department stores in the same Collins Street area. Tip: Breakfast is served starting on the early side of 8:30 am, so you can get there early and make it your first stop if touring or shopping in the area.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
Block Arcade is a survivor of Marvelous Melbourne. The mosaic are intricately worked and the Classical style is impressive. A number of shops are doing business including Haigh's Chocolates and the Dr Seuss Gallery. Block Arcade can be entered either from Elizabeth Street or Collins Street. Block Arcade is a Melbourne icon.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

C M
Auckland Central, New Zealand782 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
What a lovely old arcade with nice and quirky shops, from tearooms to Haighs chocolate and art shops. It is small but beautiful. Definitely worth a look!
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kathleen S
England, UK19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Friends
You got everything from fabulous tea rooms, interesting clock, unique stores, beautiful architecture and marvellous floor tiles all the way to live music. Nice spot.
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Typist
4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Solo
It was cool but not exactly life-changing, I definitely would not have it on the must-see list for Melbourne.
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Franz A
35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Amazing little arcade. Very beautiful decor and good glimpse into remnants of the past. Hidden gem of Melbourne
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

platypus150
Melbourne, Australia27,759 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Solo
I frequently walk through and walk past this arcade. The art work is amazing and amazed people even when it was built well over a century ago. Today I was gazing at the Elizabeth Street entranced and noticed detail I had previously overlooked.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CraigH0901
Adelaide, Australia1,256 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
A pretty arcade off Collins Street in the heart of the CBD. It is ornate and pleasant but not overly interesting. The shops are good quality but it isn't overly long, so not a lot.

Good spot for a sit down and coffee.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Block Arcade - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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